Question: My question is about a Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch. In 2021, we noticed bumps on the leaves. We went to nursery and it was suggested we use a systemic product which we did. Bumps remained but the tree continued to thrive. This year, the bumps came back immediately. We again asked from the […]
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Question: Why are so many apples on my Cortland tree dropping before they fully ripen? They are sour and the seeds are not brown yet. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant There are numerous reasons why your Cortlands might be dropping underripe fruit. Dry conditions can exacerbate early fruit drop, so you may just be […]
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Question: I have been finding large holes eaten in my apples that are still on the tree. I have found yellowjackets and ants in the holes. I’m wondering if the yellowjackets are eating the holes and the ants move in for the sweetness. I know it’s too late to do anything this year, so I […]
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Question: What should I plant in the bed where my bush green beans – now tired out! – were growing? I would like to have another crop from that space. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant This is an excellent time to be thinking about squeezing in some fall, cool season crops in the open […]
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Question: The Japanese beetle population my large perennial beds has been increasing greatly every year despite hand-picking and using Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew Spray (sparingly and in the evening, as I’m concerned about harming bees). Are there other methods that would be more effective and/or also reduce the population? Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant […]
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Question: I’m looking for a non-invasive perennial grass that grows to 6 ft (or more) in an area with morning sun and partial sun/shade in the afternoon. It is to serve as a natural privacy fence. Recommendations appreciated. Answer: Jonathan Foster, Community Education Assistant Your sun conditions sound reasonable for planting ornamental grass in the […]
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Question: I have several huge fields of pasture type land (10-20 acres) that are covered in poison ivy. I would like to get rid of the poison ivy and grow wild flowers. I am concerned about using large amounts of chemicals on the land. I would love some advice. Answer: Donna R. Coffin, Extension Professor […]
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In This Issue: September Is the Month to . . . Maine Collecting Unwanted Pesticides Free of Charge Hermit Thrush Game Review September Is the Month to . . . By Sandra Miller, Penobscot County Master Gardener Volunteer Wow, September already. It really hit home when an organization I also write for asked for Halloween articles […]
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Question: I have a yearly problem of powdery mildew on squash and zucchini plants. Use a fungicide from local store but isn’t very effective. Is there a natural remedy that I could mix up to spray on leaves? Should I treat soil this fall with anti fungal? Answer: Frank S. Wertheim, Extension Educator – Agriculture/Horticulture […]
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Question: I have a happy, healthy bed of annual flowers- cosmos, Mexican sunflowers, zinnias, verbena. I moved a wooden plank into the garden to create a border for the bed. I noticed there were small ants in the board. Since then, my annuals have been wilting and dying and the base of the stem of […]
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